mHealth — the use of mobile and wireless technologies to promote health — is an ever-changing field with great potential for patient engagement.

There are a growing number of patient-facing mobile applications and online tools designed to give patients access to their health information. These tools and apps can help people:

• Effectively manage chronic conditions
• Participate in research
• Share data with clinicians in real time
• Take a more active role in their health care

There are also numerous apps to help patients manage specific health conditions like diabetes or epilepsy.

One way for patients to access their EHR data is through an Application Programming Interface (API). The availability of APIs enables third-party app developers to connect patients' EHR data to new types of applications and online tools.

By enabling third-party API access to data from your EHR when patients request it, you can help empower your patients to use these innovative tools to support their health goals.

It’s no secret that mobile phones are everywhere these days, since 95% of Americans now own a cellphone of some kind — and 77% own a smartphone.¹⁰² The options for health apps are numerous, ranging from activity trackers to medication reminders and chronic condition self-management tools.

A 2013 study found that 9 in 10 patients would use an app if their doctor prescribed it.¹⁰³ It also found that people who use mHealth tools are more likely to follow their clinicians’ advice and to be proactive about their health care.¹⁰⁴

However, we still have a lot to learn about which “prescribable” apps are most effective.¹⁰⁵ As more health professionals try out these new tools, the amount of information about the best ways to develop and use apps for patient engagement is sure to grow.

Evaluate and pilot test apps before recommending them

If you’re thinking of recommending an app for patient engagement — whether related to general wellness or for managing a specific health challenge — it’s important to do your homework. The following steps will help you evaluate whether an app is user friendly and appropriate for your patients.¹⁰⁶

1. Review the literature: Search the scientific literature for app reviews and clinical trials
2. Search app clearinghouses: Websites that review apps can help you identify pros and cons of specific apps
3. Search app stores: Be sure to use specific key words, including terms related to the health condition or target behavior
4. Read user ratings and reviews: Look for positive comments about how the app works, how easy it is to use, and how effective it is
5. Read the privacy notice: Make sure that the app will protect your patients' health information by checking out the app's privacy notice
6. Ask your professional and patient networks: Use social media to find out what apps people like or are interested in
7. Pilot test the app: Try it out yourself — or enlist a helper — to assess the app’s functionality, accuracy, and usability
8. Get patient input: Once your patients have tried the app, don’t just talk about their health data — ask them how they like the app, too

There’s a lot to consider when researching and pilot testing an app! Of course, ease of use is key — but quality and safety are also essential.

• Usability is the “effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction with which specific users can achieve a specific set of tasks in a particular environment.” To learn more, check out Selecting a Mobile App: Evaluating the Usability of Medical Applications.
• Some factors that affect the quality and safety of a health app depend on the type of information or health condition the app addresses. Developing a Framework for Evaluating the Patient Engagement, Quality, and Safety of Mobile Health Applications lists some of the factors to consider.